When it comes to new air conditioning units, you need to pay special attention to the air conditioner sizing. Size does not refer to physical size, but the amount of cooling measured in BTU per hour generated by the air conditioner.

Is it time to upgrade to a new system?

If your air conditioner is more than a decade old, now is the best time to buy a new one.

Purchasing a new air conditioner will not only result in more cooling efficiency, but also save money due to reduced energy bills. The latest air conditioners are highly energy-efficient models that will provide optimum cooling without drawing additional power.

Why air conditioner sizing matters

The size of the air conditioner that you purchase should meet the specific needs of the household. An air conditioner that is too large for the house is overkill in terms of both money and efficiency. You won’t rent a bus to transport 2 or 3 people, would you? Buying an air conditioner that is too large for the house’s cooling requirements is nothing more than throwing your money away.

A unit that is too large for the house will consume more energy. Additional energy is utilized by larger units in cooling the room. This will unnecessarily spike up the electric bill. Also, larger units force more air than required, and will create more noise when operating.

Furthermore, large air conditioners cycle (turn on and off) more often. This will result in more wear and tear due to which the unit will require frequent repairs. Also, the units create large swings in temperature that will feel uncomfortable.

Another mistake is to buy an air conditioner that is too small for the house. A small unit will be forced to work continuously in keeping the room cool. This will result in accelerated wear and tear due to which the unit will require additional repairs. Also, keeping the room cool during particularly hot summer months is something that is beyond the capability of smaller units.

How to pick the right air conditioner for your home

Now you should know why it’s important to buy the right size air conditioner. The cooling unit that you buy for the home should meet the cooling requirements of the house.

A good rule of thumb is that 20 BTU is required for a square foot of living space. So, if your house’s living space is 1080 square foot, and will require a 21000 BTU cooling unit.

Here’s what’s cool, though. You don’t have to worry about this. When you call Ace for a free in-home estimate on a new air conditioner, we’ll take all the measurements needed to find you the right air conditioner.

Have Ace measure your home for optimal air conditioner sizing

The best solution to ensure that you buy a right size air conditioner is to consult with a professional air conditioner technician, like the NATE-certified pros at Ace.

Our experts will suggest the right size of the cooling unit depending on the square footage, the size of the ceiling, sunlight exposure, and house insulation. This will ensure that you don’t buy a too large or a too small air conditioner, but a cooling unit that is best suited for your home.

If you want the help of a professional technician in southwestern Louisiana for AC repairs, contact Ace Air Conditioning.